James h



(N0. ModeL) J. H. WHIT'ELEY.

AX OR SIMILAR TOOL.

No]. 309,369. Patented Dea 16,1884;

JAMES H. VHITELEY, OF LANSING, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR OF OlfTE-HALF TO EDWARD O. OHAIIN, OF SAME PLACE.

AX OR SIMILAR TOOL.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 309,369, dated December 16, 1884.

Application filed July 22,1884. (No model.)

T0 [0Z5 whom, it may concern Be it known that 1, JAMES H. WHITELEY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Lansing, in the county of lnghain and State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Axes and Similar Tools, of which the following is a specification, to wit:

This invention relates to an improvement in axes and similar tools; and it consists in certain peculiarities in the construction of the same, whereby they are made to cut with less friction and cleaner, substantially as will be hereinafter more fully set forth and claimed.

In order to enable others skilled in the art to which my invention appertains to make and use the same, I will now proceed to describe its construction and operation,referring to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a side view of an ax; Fig. 2, a vertical section, and Fig. 3 is a cross-section of the same. Figs. 4 and 5 are views of a chisel embodying the same invention.

A represents an ax of the usual or any desired form and size. A This implement is made with its main body thinner and lighter than is usually done, and is preferably formed with two longitudinal ribs, a, upon each of its faces, which are at their ends gradually merged into the main body of the ax, as shown in Fig. 2. These ribs turn off the wood as it is out without appreciable friction, such as would occur were the whole face of the ax made to form a flush surface, and they also act as strengthening-ribs, to prevent breakage of the implement. The thickness of the blade through the ribs is intended to be about the same as that of the usual ax, while the main body is much thinner, thus saving metal in the construction without detracting from the strength. The tool so made has much less friction in use, turns off the chips with greater ease, and is not liable to become jammed in the wood, as often occurs, and for this reason requires less strength to use it. The idea is equally applicable to axes and similar tools, as will be understood by reference to Figs. 4 and 5.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

As an improved article of manufacture, an ax or similar tool formed with two longitudinal ribs projecting above the surface of the tool, between which the metal is thinned away, and the ribs having their ends blended into the main body, whereby the friction is lessened and the tool more easily used, substan tially as shown and described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JAMES H. WVHITELEY.

Witnesses:

E. W. SPARROW, N. F. HANDY. 

